Financial support includes a stipend, tuition, fees, and health insurance for you, spouse and dependents. Students in good standing are fully supported until they finish their degrees.

Course requirements for PhD students in MCDB are minimal and intended to provide the background training necessary for successful thesis research. During the first year, students take several courses and seminars, while exploring faculty research interests through several laboratory rotations. By the beginning of the second year, students will have chosen a research mentor and identified a research problem -- laying the groundwork for their dissertation projects. See the Current Students section for more detail on courses.

Requirements for Admission: A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required; a previously earned Master's degree is NOT required to enter the program.

Expected background: Prior to admission students should have a strong undergraduate background in biology including physics, organic and inorganic chemistry, calculus, and advanced biology courses.

Applications: Made online through the Rackham Graduate School, which oversees the requirements of all Ph.D. degrees. See the Rackham admissions site for more information.